Kenyans living in the United States are facing an uncertain future after Donald Trump officially became the 47th President of the United States on January 21.
In his inaugural address, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing stringent immigration policies, which include mass deportations—a key promise from his campaign.
Speaking during his speech, Trump outlined a series of measures aimed at reshaping immigration laws.
He specifically targeted undocumented immigrants, stating, “We will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.”
On his first day in office, Trump announced plans to sign nearly 100 executive orders, with at least 10 of them focused directly on immigration reforms.
One of the most controversial orders seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship, which would drastically reduce the number of individuals eligible for US citizenship.
Trump defended his policies by arguing that they aim to enhance national security and ensure that government resources benefit American citizens.
However, the implications of these actions are significant, particularly for the Kenyan community. An estimated 30,000 Kenyans living in the US without proper documentation are likely to be among those affected by the crackdown.
The Kenyan population in the US is concentrated in metropolitan areas, making them vulnerable to immigration raids.
Reports suggest these operations could begin immediately, as Trump appears determined to make good on his promises.
According to the International Migrant Stock 2020 dataset by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the US is home to the largest number of Kenyan migrants globally, with approximately 157,000 individuals. The United Kingdom ranks second, hosting about 139,000 Kenyans.
The new immigration policies have drawn sharp criticism from international organizations and advocacy groups.
Many have vowed to challenge Trump’s executive orders in court. In New Hampshire, immigration advocates have already filed a lawsuit against the decision to end birthright citizenship.
The executive order in question declares that children born in the US will no longer be recognized as citizens by the federal government if their father is neither a US citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.
Critics argue that this order undermines constitutional protections and discriminates against immigrants.
For Kenyan families and other immigrant communities, the looming threat of deportation has caused widespread fear and uncertainty.
Advocacy groups are calling on affected individuals to seek legal assistance and explore options to protect their status.
As these policies take effect, the fate of thousands of Kenyans in the US hangs in the balance, highlighting the broader human cost of aggressive immigration reforms.
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